On 01 March elections for employee representatives on works councils, a pillar of German co-determination, began in more than 28,000 companies across the Rhine. The umbrella German Trade Union Confederation (DGB - Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund) has called on all employees to participate during this key moment in the ‘democratic life of the company.’ The Minister of Employment and Social Affairs, Hubertus Heil (SPD) has announced his intention to shortly introduce a bill aimed at more severely punishing companies that seek to block the formation of a works council.
A crucial event for employees and employers alike, works council elections are held every four years at the same time, from 01 March to 31 May. Scheduled for all private sector establishments that under regular circumstances employ at least five workers, these elections only take place if the employees themselves take the initiative to create a works council. This year marks the first ballot to be organized since the law on the modernization of works councils (Betriebsrätemodernisierungsgesetz)
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